Her Y

BYU’s all-time assists leader Haley Steed sits down to talk about the long game—how three ACL tears reshaped her identity, what she learned from Jeff Judkins, and why “basketball is a platform for life.” She opens up about her seven seasons at BYU, shifting to the sideline as a high school coach, stepping away from coaching for family reasons, and raising a sports-loving crew of five. Plus, the unexpected running chapter that led to qualifying for and finishing the Boston Marathon. It’s a conversation about grit, growth, and grounding yourself in faith—on the court, at home, and everywhere in between.

What separates good athletes from great ones? We find out from BYU Mental Performance coach Haley Seamons on this edition of Practice Chats with Annie Robinson. Haley shares how her own journey as a golfer, volleyball player, and CrossFit competitor sparked her passion for sports psychology and led her to train under Dr. Craig Manning. From working with athletes at BYU to coaching pro basketball players with the Milwaukee Bucks, she breaks down the mental hurdles athletes face today and the simple mindset shifts that can change everything. Haley's story proves that learning to think differently can unlock potential you didn’t even know you had.

Former BYU softball player Libby Sugg shares what it’s like to play professional softball overseas—spending each summer in a different country, and traveling the world while competing in the game she loves. She reflects on her time at BYU, from her unforgettable Halloween costumes to how Coach Gordon Eakin recruited her at a home run derby, and the legacy she left behind. Libby also opens up about navigating the challenges of divorce as a collegiate athlete and how those experiences shaped her into the strong, resilient person she is today.

BYU outside hitter Claire Little Chambers shares her journey from being one of the nation’s top recruits to becoming a key leader for the Cougars. She opens up about faith, family, and finding identity beyond volleyball, what it’s like balancing marriage with the demands of Division I sports, and why this year’s team feels full of energy and more connected than ever. Claire discusses the lessons she has learned through sports, the joy of competing at BYU, and offers her best advice for young athletes pursuing their dreams.

What does it take to compete at the highest level of distance running while raising two young children? In this episode, former BYU runner and ASICS professional Makenna Myler reflects on her journey from being cut as a freshman to running a 5:17 mile at nine months pregnant and placing seventh at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials just 10 months postpartum. She discusses the lessons learned from quitting and coming back, the discipline behind 120-mile training weeks, and the resilience motherhood has helped her develop. Inspiring and candid, Makenna shares how she has learned to value the process, embrace setbacks, and rise stronger each time.

BYU volleyball’s Mia Lee is more than a 6-foot middle blocker...she’s a hype girl, a mentor, and a rising leader on and off the court. In this episode, she shares what it’s like going from being a kid at BYU volleyball camps to now coaching them as a player. Mia discusses learning to lead by example as an upperclassman and how moments of struggle have shaped her into the teammate she is today. Hear her funny childhood stories and powerful experiences with Black History Month events and the USA Volleyball program! She opens up about her growth in the past few years, her goals for the season, and the kind of role model she hopes to be for the next generation of Cougars.

In this episode of Her Y, we sit down with Kim Santiago—former UVU basketball player, nurse, Provo City councilwoman, and wife of BYU Athletic Director Brian Santiago. Kim shares her journey as a mother of four, including raising a son with autism, and reflects on her time balancing family life with leadership and public service. She opens up about the resilience she learned while playing sports, her faith that has anchored her through every season of life, and the role she and Brian now play in supporting BYU athletes both on and off the court. You won't want to miss the story of the woman at the heart of Cougar athletics!

Paisley Johnson-Harding knows what it means to be a Cougar—she’s lived it! From breaking records and winning championships at BYU to playing pro ball overseas and coaching the next generation at Timpview high school and Utah Valley University, her basketball journey has come full circle. In this episode, she opens up about the highs and lows along the way, what it was really like training with WNBA stars, why she’s so passionate about mentoring today’s players, and how it feels to be back on the sidelines in Provo.

Brielle “BK” Kemavor is a 6'5" middle blocker for BYU women’s volleyball who wrapped up a breakout sophomore season by earning All-Big 12 honors and helping lead the Cougars to their 13th straight NCAA Tournament. However, her story extends far beyond the statistics. In this episode, Brielle discusses the people and moments that have shaped her, particularly the unwavering support of her mom, who made numerous sacrifices to help her pursue her volleyball dreams. She shares what it’s like representing BYU on the court and at Big 12 leadership meetings, the lessons she’s learned stepping into a leadership role, and why her rubber duck collection is more serious than you might think. Get a glimpse into the drive, humility, and heart behind one of BYU’s rising stars!

Assistant swim coach Melissa Springer shares what it means to her to be back at her alma mater—this time on the deck instead of in the pool. She reflects on stepping away from swimming after the heartbreaking loss of her brother, how she ended up back in the world of swimming, and why she’s passionate about building "champions in sport and life". Along the way, Melissa shares her love for competitive jigsaw puzzling and showing up fully for her athletes.